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Tim Minchin calls out actors in Sydney Theatre Company pro-Palestine stunt

The singer-songwriter-comedian has reportedly used a concert to voice support for the Jewish community, calling out people who live in ‘leftie bubbles’.

Singer-songwriter Tim Minchin. Picture: Tim Hunter.
Singer-songwriter Tim Minchin. Picture: Tim Hunter.

Musician and actor Tim Minchin has reportedly weighed into the controversy over a pro-Palestine protest at Sydney Theatre Company, calling out people who live in “leftie bubbles” and have a misguided view of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Minchin, a member of the STC Foundation which raises funds from donors for the theatre company, praised members of the Jewish community for their ongoing and generous support for the arts.

Harry Greenwood (R) along with co-stars Megan Wilding (2nd R) and Mabel Li (L) wore keffiyeh scarves during the encore at the opening night of the STC production of The Seagull at Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theatre. Picture: Instagram
Harry Greenwood (R) along with co-stars Megan Wilding (2nd R) and Mabel Li (L) wore keffiyeh scarves during the encore at the opening night of the STC production of The Seagull at Sydney’s Roslyn Packer Theatre. Picture: Instagram

Foundation members Judi Hausmann and Alex Schuman have quit their positions at the company because of the actors’ unauthorised stunt.

Minchin reportedly made the remarks at his concert at Llewellyn Hall in Canberra on Monday evening, according to the Australian Financial Review. He also played Hallelujah, the ballad by Jewish singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen.

He told the audience he did not want his comments being made public.

Judi Hausmann.
Judi Hausmann.
Alex Schuman,
Alex Schuman,

His agent, Michael Lynch, would not confirm Minchin’s remarks and denied a request for an interview.

Managers at Llewellyn Hall said they were not authorised to comment on the performance.

Sydney Theatre Company has publicly apologised for the actions taken by three actors at the curtain call following a performance of The Seagull on November 25, where they pulled on keffiyeh scarves in solidarity with Palestinians.

Sydney Theatre Company facing backlash as actors protest for Palestine after show
Read related topics:Israel

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Original URL: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/arts/tim-minchin-calls-out-actors-in-sydney-theatre-company-propalestine-stunt/news-story/3d9e04a14715563882e182edad643e2c